Aug.1 (GMM) Despite leading his teammate in the points standings by 30 points, Lewis Hamilton on Friday said he would not be surprised if Heikki Kovalainen pips him to pole position in Hungary.

While the 23-year-old Briton was Friday's fastest at the circuit near Budapest, his McLaren teammate is arguably the favourite to dominate qualifying, Hamilton said.

"Heikki's car is easier to get a lap out in qualifying than mine. I accept that," he is quoted as saying by the British newspaper The Sun.

Along with Monaco, Hungary is among the slowest and twistiest tracks on the F1 calendar, meaning qualifying is often more important than usual.

Hamilton said: "Last year I tended to be quickest in qualifying but this year I have sacrificed a little in order to be stronger in the race.

"Over the year, I have pushed the team in a certain direction. It has worked sometimes to my advantage and at others to Heikki's -- especially in qualifying," he added.